PREVIOUSLY rejected plans to build up to 975 dwellings in Cotes could still become a reality after an appeal was lodged with the national Planning Inspectorate.

In October 2013, Jelson Ltd and Davidsons Developments Ltd submitted an outline planning application to Charnwood Borough Council for the development, which would also include a retail centre, primary school, 5.5ha of employment land, sewage treatment facility, surface water balancing, landscaping, open space and highway works.

But at a plans committee meeting in July 2014, the proposals were rejected by councillors.

Their concerns included flooding problems, the lack of a robust strategy to deliver the local centre and employment land, lack of readily and safely available services, and the cumulative detrimental impacts on local heritage assets.

Now, the applicants have submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate to get the decision overturned.

The design and access statement submitted with the original application states: “The proposed development will provide a new neighbourhood for Loughborough based on the garden suburb principles, including new homes and employment and support community facilities set within a strong green framework. The proposals aim to make the most efficient use of land that is appropriate to the nature and setting of the site.

“The scheme successfully promotes better access to local facilities and public transport, with clear access into the site and good pedestrian linkages to surrounding uses.

“The layout and urban form of the scheme is such that it supports crime prevention and community safety, with development clearly overlooking public spaces and streets.

“The landscape design is responsive to the sensitive setting of the site. Hedgerows and trees have been maintained, where possible, and inform the structure and layout of residential parcels.”